New York State Fallfish Record Broken on St. Lawrence River

A New York State angler has set a new state record... and it was all by accident.

Fishing is serious business in New York, with passionate enthusiasts casting their lines in countless local streams, rivers, and lakes. But maybe fishing (like life) is also like a box of chocolates, because as it was recently proved, you never know what you're going to get.

A new state fish record was recently set... but the catch was completely by accident (NYS DEC via Facebook/Canva)

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Announces Fish Record

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is just one of the helpful organizations that not only regulates local fishing, but keeps track of record catches as well. Recently, they shared news about a catch they described as uncommon.

New York State Fishing Records

"New York has ANOTHER new state record fish!", the NYS DEC recently shared on Facebook (below). As they explained, the record-breaking fish was an accidental catch while the angler was targeting other species.

Record-Setting Fallfish Caught in New York State

The fallfish, caught by Alex Pidhorodeckyj while he was fishing on the St. Lawrence River, broke the previous record set in 2009. It was the second record-breaking catch set so far this year in New York.

NYS DEC Fishmobiles Helping New York Anglers

When the NYS DEC isn't verifying state records, they are helping set up local anglers for success (below). This spring, New York residents may have seen their "fishmobiles" helping stock local waters with fish that were spawned in their hatcheries.

When Are Fishing Licenses Required in New York?

The NYS DEC also facilitates necessary fishing licenses, with daily, annual, and lifetime options for qualifying residents. Licenses are required for harvesting:

Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups.
Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook.
Freshwater baitfish for personal use.

Fishing licenses are not required for free fishing days in New York. Check out the full calendar for free fishing days in 2025 below.

New York State Free Fishing Days 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the return of New York State's free fishing days for 2025. There are other programs offered like a rod loaner program and a learn to fish program. The license requirement will be waived for freshwater fishing on the following dates:

Gallery Credit: Canva